Museum of the City of Hartford?

Two summers ago, a couple friends and I took one of many ritualistic art day trips to New York City. Find parking on the upper west side, take subway down to central park and walk through to the east side at about 105th street. We would go to El Museo del Barrio on 5th Avenue and follow it up with some good Puerto Rican food at La Fonda Boricua on 106th. This particular day we took a detour and stopped at the Museum of the City of New York to see an exhibit titled El Barrio: Puerto Rican New York. A look at the museum’s web site gives a nice overview of their mission:

The Museum of the City of New York embraces the past, present, and future of New York City and celebrates the city’s cultural diversity. It does so through its rich collections, a lively schedule of exhibitions, and an array of programs for adults and children. The Museum is dedicated to fostering an understanding of New York’s evolution from its origins as a settlement of a few hundred Europeans, Africans, and Native Americans to its present status of one of the world’s largest and most important cities.

I got hit with my usual “aaarggh…why can’t we have this in Hartford” blues. I started thinking of possible sites and how to pitch it to the City…you know, those people who care so much about our cultural well being that they give the Greater Hartford Arts Council upwards of $300k in guilt money while shrinking its own Office of Cultural Affairs (more on this in my next posting.)

But there is a site that could serve as both a celebration of the history of Hartford’s many ethnic communities while remaining true to its mission as a statewide symbol of freedom. The Old State House in downtown Hartford is the perfect candidate. Geographically located in the heart of downtown, ye olde state house is equally accessible by anyone via private vehicle or public transportation. The layout of the statehouse would compliment multiple smaller exhibits at one time. At the same time the basement would still hold it’s celebration to the state in it’s massive exhibition space. This would go a long way in creating the sense of a ‘museum mile’ feel with the Charter Oak Cultural Center, The Butler McCook House, The Wadsworth, and the Old State House as functioning museum type buildings.

There have been some signs which show that this concept can work. When the Old State House re-opened its doors after a massive addition project, they opened with a visual arts exhibit which highlighted Latino contemporary artists. While not adequately marketed to CTs Latino community, the exhibit was an attendance success if not financial.

The Old State House also has a natural outdoor concert and lawn space which is exempt from city requirements for outdoor concerts. Many community presentation organizations know of the hassle to try and program outdoor festivals only to be told by the City you need 2 cops at time and a half along with multiple port o lets and sanitation workers.

Recently, the Old State House and CT Historical Society hired Jordan Polon from the Greater Hartford Arts Council as their new Communications Manager. I know it’s a big stretch from communications to programming but i truly hope that the Historical Society allows Jordan to do some programming. It would definitely be a step in the right direction towards making the Old State House both a local and statewide draw. She brings an understanding of the city and it’s residence. Through her work at the Arts Council I’m sure she’s been able to see what organizations and individuals can help the Old State House be the magnet for the city that it should be.